Ripping the second to last month off of my Stendig calendar is always bittersweet. December is a great month filled with holiday celebrations but it’s so crazy to think that another year is coming to an end! Make the most of Montreal with kids in December 2024 with these festive events and activities to get you in the holiday spirit.

Lumino – Until March 9

Montreal’s annual light installation is back at Quartier des Spectacles with a new shorter name but tons of lights and interactive exhibitions. Discover this magical display and enjoy the Christmas Market as well as the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink to make it a full-day activity.

Holidays on the Point – Until January 8

The Pointe-à-Callière Museum is hosting the holidays with indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. Place Royale in Old Montreal will be the host to a relaxing area, reminiscent of a ski chalet, a giant igloo where you can hear stories about Santa Claus and creative workshops too.

Festif Bromont – December 7-8

The town of Bromont is celebrating winter with this 2-day festival from 10am-4pm. The kids’ zone will feature cookie decorating, colouring and writing letters to Santa and plenty of local gift sellers.

Festival Noel dans le Parc – December 6 – 31

Celebrate Christmas in the park, or this year at Quartier des Spectacles! This festival includes musical performances every day but the real action for families includes the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his very own trailer. The festival also includes multi-coloured trees, warm chestnuts and hot apple cider. At the nearby Parc des Compagnons-Saint-Laurent, activities will include meeting snow fairies, Gilobo the clown and a wishing tree.

The Nutcracker – December 12 – 30

A holiday tradition, this show put on by Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, wows audiences young and old alike with the story of Clara and her new nutcracker. The ballet is on daily at 2pm and 7:30pm at Place des Arts. Tickets range between $64-$166 each, making it a true holiday treat.

Cinderella – December 13 – January 5

The Hudson Village Theatre is holding its annual holiday pantomime, with a presentation of Cinderella. The show will include singing, dancing, silly jokes, and much more in this show for everyone. Daily presentations will take place at various times, both during the day and in the evening. Tickets cost $30.

Old Port Skating Rink – December 14

Winter is officially here when the skating rink at the Clock Tower Quay opens. The rink features a rental shop and a live DJ in the evenings (schedule to be released soon). Admission for kids 6-12 years old is $7 and adults are $10.50.

Cirque du Soleil – Ovo – December 27 – January 5

Cirque du Soleil is coming to the Bell Centre with their show Ovo during the holiday season. The production features acrobats dressed as insects including ants, butterflies, dragonflies, crickets and more. Be sure to check out the special family offer.

Sous Zero Festival – December 29-31

Montreal is getting a new music festival to celebrate the New Year. Taking place at Place Jacques-Cartier, the venue will be transformed into a stage with nightly performances. From 1pm to 5pm, the area will be family-friendly with activities, food and entertainment. More details will be released soon.